Check-up: which exams need to be done every year?

To do Routine tests is important for the prevention and early diagnosis of various diseases. Through annual check-up it is possible to assess health, identify conditions that may be asymptomatic or, analyze the existence of risk factors for the development of diseases.

“Through a check-up program, we are able to reduce mortality through early detection and early treatment of a disease. This is the case, for example, of breast cancer. By performing a mammogram, we can identify lesions in their initial stage, greatly increasing the chance of cure”, explains Leonardo Piovesan Mendonça, medical manager of Population Health at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz.

It is also possible through an annual check-up monitor the evolution of an already diagnosed disease such as hypertension, high cholesterol, anemia, cancer itself, among others.

According to Humberto Freitas, cardiologist at the São Camilo Hospital Network, in São Paulo, Check-ups are important for all ages but mainly for the population over 40 years old .

Furthermore, people with comorbidities or who have family history of chronic illnesses or cancer They must also undergo routine exams periodically.

But, after all, which exams should be part of the annual check-up? This is an assessment that must be made by the doctor according to the needs of each patient . Overall, there are some main exams that can be taken annually. Check it out below.

Blood and laboratory tests

You bloodtests are among the main ones for a complete check-up. It is through them that it is possible to evaluate blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and kidney, liver and thyroid function, in addition to the complete blood count, to identify any changes in the blood, such as anemia.

“Through check-ups and these exams, we are able to identify cardiometabolic diseases, such as obesity, cholesterol, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Once identified, it is possible to start changing your lifestyle and providing adequate treatment for the condition”, says Leonardo.

Among the main blood and laboratory tests that can be part of the annual check-up are:

• Complete blood count;
• Fasting blood glucose;
• Cholesterol and triglycerides;
• Urea and creatine;
• TGO and TGP;
• TSH and free T4;
• Uric acid.

Cardiological exams

For people with a family history of heart disease, it is essential to undergo regular cardiological examinations. This is the case of electrocardiogram of exercise test It's from echocardiogram in addition to the abdominal ultrasound .

“These tests are important to evaluate any changes in the liver or aorta”, comments Humberto. “They are part of a preventive check-up for coronary heart disease, mainly for people over 40 years of age without comorbidities or younger people with an important family history of the disease”, he adds.

Gynecological and breast exams

For women, trans men and people in general (who do not classify themselves in a binary way) with a uterus, breast and vagina, it is essential to include gynecological exams in the check-up routine.

O pap smear for example, is an important test for screening cervical cancer . O vaginal ultrasound It is also essential for evaluating the uterus and ovaries, being able to identify possible local changes and complications.

In addition mammogram is essential for early detection of breast cancer . It must be done annually from the age of 40, but can be done earlier by people with a family history of the tumor.

Prostate exams

Prostate evaluation should also be part of the routine examination of men, trans women and people with the gland over the age of 50, especially when there are cases in the family. This is the case of digital rectal examination which can also identify other prostate problems, in addition to cancer.

O PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test It should also be included on the annual check-up list. It serves to assess the level of a protein produced by prostate epithelial cells. When found in high quantities, it is a warning sign for prostate cancer .

Urine tests

You urine tests are fundamental to identify, mainly, urinary tract infections , analyzing microscopically the cells and bacteria that may be present in the urine. In addition, it is also possible to assess kidney function through this test.

Finally, examining urine also serves to evaluate the levels of glucose, bilirubin and other substances that help in the diagnosis of systemic diseases.

Other specific exams

Some other exams must also be carried out periodically, according to each situation. The person who carries out this assessment is the doctor, who may be a cardiologist, neurologist, geriatrician, dermatologist or ophthalmologist. Some examples are:

• Ophthalmological examination (evaluates motricity and eye pressure and identifies glaucoma , cataract It is retinopathy );
• Dermatological examination (identifies lesions that may be warning signs for skin cancer );
• Chest tomography (important for lung assessment of smokers);
• Bone densitometry (evaluates bone mass and helps diagnose osteoporosis more common in postmenopausal women );
• Psychological tests (to assess the mental health and identification of depression disorder of anxiety It is burnout );
• Impedanceometry (evaluate the tympanic membrane and middle ear ossicles, serving to identify infections or hearing dysfunction ).